Investment in quantum technologies is rapidly increasing, with various governments and tech companies committing substantial resources to this cutting-edge field. In New Zealand, the establishment of the Institute for Advanced Technology emphasizes the nation’s focus on advancing research in quantum technologies, a move supported by experts like Professor at Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. As these technologies evolve, fostering a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics becomes crucial for informed discussions on their societal ramifications.
Quantum technologies are grounded in quantum mechanics, a fundamental theory that describes the nature of matter. This science has led to the creation of devices such as transistors, microchips, and lasers. The term “quantum” originated from the work of German physicist Max Planck, who theorized that energy is released in discrete packets called quanta. These principles are now being applied to develop super-fast computers, precision sensors, and advanced encryption methods.
One of the most intriguing aspects of quantum technology is the phenomenon known as quantum entanglement. This concept, which Albert Einstein famously labeled as “spooky action at a distance,” often intrigues and confounds both scientists and the general public. While popular culture sometimes misrepresents entanglement—depicting it as a means for faster-than-light communication, as seen in Liu Cixin’s 2008 novel, Three Body Problem—the reality is that entanglement does not defy the speed of light. Nevertheless, it plays a significant role in various applications, such as enhancing medical sensors and improving environmental monitoring.
Quantum computers promise to solve problems that are currently unsolvable with classical computers. For example, they could model complex biological processes like protein folding and develop encryption protocols that are resistant to eavesdropping. Not only do these technologies hold the potential to transform industries, but they also offer tools for detecting significant events, such as earthquakes.
To understand quantum entanglement, one must consider at least two qubits in an entangled state. In a quantum computer, traditional bits are replaced by qubits, which can exist in a state of superposition, allowing them to represent both |0⟩ and |1⟩ simultaneously. When measured, a qubit collapses to either 0 or 1, depending on the probabilities involved.
Imagine two quantum engineers, Alice and Bob, each with one qubit from a pair. When they measure their qubits, both will obtain results of either 0 or 1. However, when they compare their results, a remarkable pattern emerges: if Alice measures a 0, Bob will also measure a 0, and the same applies for 1s. This correlation occurs instantaneously, demonstrating that their measurement results were interconnected despite the distance separating them.
Einstein’s discomfort with this non-intuitive behavior led him to propose that quantum mechanics must be incomplete, suggesting that hidden variables determined measurement outcomes. However, experimental evidence obtained in the 1980s has decisively ruled out such local hidden-variable theories. For their groundbreaking work in this area, three physicists received the Nobel Prize in 2022.
While entanglement is often illustrated with qubits, it can occur across various physical systems. For instance, New Zealand researchers are making strides in the field of superconductors, which exhibit zero electrical resistance and expel magnetic fields when cooled below a specific temperature. Researchers have proposed methods to extract entangled electron pairs from superconductors and transfer their entanglement to photons. Additionally, another group successfully entangled atoms cooled to near absolute zero.
To cultivate a thriving quantum technology sector, targeted investments are needed to build a quantum-ready workforce. Enhancing quantum literacy across all levels of society, starting in educational institutions, is essential for realizing the full potential of these transformative technologies.
